A missed opportunity

I’m stunned, disappointed and saddened that Howard Cook’s planning appeal for the creation of a state-of-the-art elderly people’s village has been refused

The scheme would have benefited the area in so many ways, particularly in providing jobs in a depressed economy and area of high unemployment. It also alleviated the local housing shortage and addressed Government demands on the council for creating a fixed number of new homes in Kirklees, as it would have provided residential accommodation for the elderly, which consequently would then free up their current homes for other people to occupy.

. The sacrifice of a small part of our green belt was a small price to pay for this particular scheme. Current Government policy regarding development on green belt is based on “the greater need” and the requirement for jobs and new housing; both boxes were clearly ticked in this scheme.